7-22-25 — Many Samaritan partners turn to us because of our ability to fund unusual requests, from soccer equipment for boys adjusting to life in the U.S. to bus passes that enable people to get groceries from The Salem Pantry. But what about the “everyday” requests without a unique back story?
Undoubtedly, rent assistance tops the list. Most requests come to us because an unexpected expense has put the recipient behind in their rent and possibly facing eviction. It might be a medical emergency, an expensive car repair, or perhaps losing work hours to care for a sick relative. It doesn’t matter. What’s important is that so many of our neighbors live so close to the financial edge that a single incident leaves them behind the financial eight ball. All of these people meet our requirement that, with a hand up from the Samaritans, they are able to meet their financial obligations going forward.
On a very different note, did you know the Samaritans have funded YMCA and Boys & Girls Club camperships for years? It’s easy to justify these requests simply because children deserve a healthy and fun summer experience, but there’s more to it than that. Camp provides the main meal of the day for some kids. It promotes needed social-emotional development, exposure to new learning opportunities for others, and an escape from the stress of poverty for many. Camp also provides their parents with safe, affordable childcare and peace of mind.
And did you know that many people moving into Section 8 housing in Salem are responsible for having a working refrigerator? And a mattress free of bed bugs? The Samaritans routinely fund both, working hand in hand with local suppliers like Tri-City Sales and Gardner Mattress.
No, these are not exciting requests to read about, but they’re a blessing if you live month-to-month, owe back rent, are worried about having to leave your child home alone while you’re at work, or wondering how your limited Social Security benefit can possibly cover a refrigerator.
Never underestimate the difference a donation of any size can make in someone’s life.
